Buhari approved Hadiza Bala’s removal on Amaechi’s recommendation — Garba Shehu

By Kunle Sanni –

Former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the removal of Hadiza Bala Usman as managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) despite their close personal relationship, following a recommendation from the then Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, according to Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former spokesperson.

Shehu said Buhari gave clear approval for the action after Amaechi, who supervised the NPA between 2015 and 2022, concluded that Bala Usman was no longer fit to remain in office.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while discussing his new book, According to the President, Shehu recalled that Amaechi had written to Buhari recommending Bala Usman’s suspension amid allegations that the NPA, under her leadership, failed to remit N165 billion in operating surplus to the federal government.

According to Shehu, the recommendation sparked concern within the Presidency because of Buhari’s close relationship with Bala Usman, whom he described as being “like a daughter” to the former president.

He said that when the matter was presented to Buhari, the Chief of Staff expressed reservations about carrying out the suspension. However, Buhari insisted on the decision, stressing the authority of the supervising minister.

“Shehu quoted Buhari as saying, ‘This is my approval. Go and carry it out because Minister Amaechi is her supervising boss and he has determined that she is not worthy of the office she is keeping,’” the former spokesperson said.

Shehu added that Buhari’s decision demonstrated his detachment from personal relationships in matters of governance.

Bala Usman was subsequently removed from office but was later cleared of wrongdoing by an administrative panel of inquiry set up to investigate the allegations. She is currently serving as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination.